The Law Society of New South Wales, in partnership with Legal Aid NSW, community legal centres, Justice Connect and the NSW Bar Association has launched the NSW Government’s Disaster Response Legal Service, which will provide free legal assistance to those affected by the tragic bushfires in NSW. Richard Harvey, the President of the Law Society said: “In…
Law Society of Australia issues guidance on crowdfunding
The Law Society of Australia has released a guidance document over the professional and ethical risks for lawyers when navigating issues around crowdfunding. The guidance noted the rise in the use of crowdfunding for litigation, and the questions this raises over discrediting the profession if used for revenue raising. However, the guide also highlighted the…
WTO and World Bank launch new services trade policy database
A joint initiative between the World Bank and the WTO has led to the release of the Services Trade Policy Database (STPD), which provides information on the services trade policies and regulations applied by 68 jurisdictions in financial services, telecommunications, distribution, transport, and professional services. At the same time, the group launched the updated Services…
Law Society of Ontario approves AML amendments
In November 2019 the Convocation (Board of Directors) of the Law Society of Ontario approved in principle amendments to by-laws designed to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The amendments which build on existing regulation include: a requirement that licensees identify and record the source of client funds for a transaction clarification with respect to…
LSB launches consultation on ongoing professional competence in the legal services sector
The Legal Services Board has launched a consultation on “ongoing professional competence in the legal services sector”. The aim of the consultation is to review how regulators ensure that the legal professionals they regulate remain competent over the course of their careers. LSB Chief Executive Matthew Hill said: ‘Ensuring legal professionals remain competent throughout their careers will…
SRA launches consultation on compensation fund changes
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has launched a consultation on “reforms to the compensation fund arrangements”. The consultation builds on the conclusions of the past consultation on compensation, covered here in 2018. Changes have been made based on the feedback given, including introducing a maximum cap on related claims and dropping proposals for the introduction of…
Law Society of Ontario technology task force releases initial observation report
In November of 2019, the Law Society of Ontario’s technology task force released their initial observations and recommendations over future regulatory approaches to tech and how it could appropriately facilitate access to justice. The Technology Task Force has been established with the aim of reviewing the Law Society’s regulatory mandate, framework, and standards to determine…
ABA releases annual profile of the legal profession
The American Bar Association has published its annual profile of the legal profession in the US. The report uses the data gathered over the course of the year to analyse changes and developments in the profession across the country. Subjects covered include women and minorities in the profession, legal technology, pro bono, pay, legal education,…
Save the date: ICLR Conference 2020 – Chicago 28th-30th October
ICLR Conference 2020 Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of Illinois Chicago | 28-30 October 2020 Please save the date for the 2020 ICLR Conference, which will be held in Chicago between October 28-30, 2020. According to Dave Rolewick, Chair, and Jerry Larkin, Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission of Illinois (ARDC), “The ARDC…
BRAK sets up new committee on legal tech
The 7th Statues Assembly, “the parliament of the legal profession” of the Bundesrechtsanwaltskammer (BRAK) held its inaugural meeting on November 4th 2019. Through a clear majority, the assembly voted to not only retain all previously established committees but also to set up a new 7th committee on legal technology. For more information about the new…